What's the minimum age requirement for a Capital One Journey authorized user?

You can add an authorized user to your Capital One account either online or over the phone, at (877) 338-4802. And you can add anyone, regardless of age or relationship, as an authorized user to your Capital One credit card account. You just need their Social Security number, birth date and address.... read full answer

To add a Capital One authorized user online, log into your account, click “Services,” then “Manage Users,” and finally “Add New User.” To do so by phone, call the number on the back of your Capital One card, and when prompted, say you would like to add an authorized user. After you enter your card number, a customer service representative will take the new user’s information and get them set up.

That’s how it works in general. But there are some details you should be aware of before adding an authorized user to your Capital One card.

Here are Capital One’s authorized user policies:

• You have to wait until you’re approved for a Capital One card to add a user.
• You can add as many authorized users as you would like to your account.
• Each authorized user will receive his or her own card, linked to your account.
• You can customize the spending limit of each user when you add them online. Or you can call customer service at (877) 338-4802 and ask a representative to do it for you.
• You will be responsible for paying the charges made by any authorized user.
• You’ll still get only one statement per month, but you’ll be able to see who made each charge.
• Only the primary cardholder can add an authorized user to an account.

Adding a Capital One authorized user is a straightforward process, especially since the person you’re adding doesn’t need to apply. And it’s a great way to help someone who’s new to credit build their history, so long as both you and your authorized user behave responsibly.

Yes, you can get a credit card at 17 as an authorized user on someone else’s account. But you have to be at least 18 years old to open a credit card account in your own name. And when you turn 18, you’ll need to show that you have your own independent income to qualify. In the meantime, you can begin to ... read full answerbuild credit as an authorized user, and you can always use a debit card for everyday purchases.

Alternatives to getting a credit card if you’re 17:

• Become an authorized user: If someone makes you an authorized user on their card, the account will be added to your credit report. And if the main accountholder pays the monthly bills on time, your credit score will improve. The main accountholder may or may not decide to give you a card that you can use to charge purchases to the account. But you won’t be responsible for making payments either way.
• Get a debit card: Most banks will give you a debit card connected to your checking account. You’ll be spending your own cash, not borrowing money. So, you don’t need to be 18 to get one. Different banks have different rules, but most require you to be 13 or 14 years old. You won’t build credit with a debit card, but having one can make life more convenient until you turn 18.

So, keep in mind that you can’t get a credit card at 17, at least not one of your own. But if you find someone to back you, then you can start building credit right away. And in just a year, you’ll be eligible for student credit cards, secured credit cards, and other options for people new to credit.